Sometimes I feel like I’ve seen it all, and then I end up in a situation where I have to pause and say, “Well, that was something”. That was our introduction to Northeastern Ontario. The kids and I left from the Abitibi-Temiscamique region in Quebec and headed into Northeastern Ontario for the next portion of our road trip. What we came upon was a bucket list Northeastern Ontario family travel adventure with a heavy dose of up-close animal action.
When you have kids who are obsessed with nature and wild animals and you’re looking for an adventure that goes beyond petting zoos and aquariums, Northeastern Ontario delivers big time. This region offers unforgettable wildlife encounters with polar bears, moose, bison, and even alpacas, all wrapped up in hands-on activities, cute towns, and wide-open northern skies.
But first, I white-knuckled the drive through an intense summer storm. I am not kidding, we received tornado warnings on our mobile devices between the time we crossed into Ontario from Quebec to the time we reached the town of Cochrane. So I raced a tornado north up Highway 11.
To clarify, I am not a storm chaser in any way. We did not see funnel clouds, I didn’t read of one touching down after the fact, and we had nowhere out there to go for shelter. I pulled over on an abandoned property off the highway and waited out some of the wind that was so strong, it was trying to push my fully packed Jeep around. When I saw a Toyota Corolla drive by, I figured it was safe to continue on.
For my kids and me, this wasn’t just another road trip; it was likely our last summer adventure with no job restrictions. As I am writing this, my baby bird, Miss M, is turning 16. For the next few summers, I can imagine she will have a summer job, and our ten-day, carefree road trip soirees will be a thing of the past.
Northeastern Ontario Family Travel Adventures
We started this Northeastern Ontario family travel itinerary off in Cochrane. Cochrane, Ontario, is a town that packs in way more than you’d expect, especially when it comes to Canadian icons. Yes, I’m talking about Tim Hortons, polar bears, snowmobiles, and surprisingly, a next-level convenience store with fishing bait.
We pulled into Cochrane ready to shake off the nerves and get cozy. Needing a hot minute to stretch my hands after the white knuckle drive, we checked into the Best Western Swan Castle Inn, where our Deluxe Suite was spacious enough for the kids to spread out and me to pretend I had personal space again. Having a modern and spacious shower at my disposal was much appreciated. The bed was amazing, and I laughed at the kids watching the TV with actual cable. They were confused that they couldn’t pause, rewind and watch it again later. Once they found soccer, all was well.
What to Do in Cochrane With Kids
As soon as the skies cleared, we headed out to explore Commando Lake, an easy walk from the hotel. The approximately 2-kilometre lake trail around Commando Park is family-friendly and peaceful, just what I needed after some tension on the highway. In the middle, you’ll find Memorial Park, a tribute to fallen soldiers. There is a boardwalk that accommodates strollers and wheelchairs. It’s a big win that everyone can enjoy.
Dinner that night was at The Yellow Bars, located right inside the beautifully restored train station and directly across the street from the Best Western Swan Castle Inn. The restaurant is Indigenous-owned and serves up hearty comfort food perfect for hard-working labourers and road-tripping families. One funny note on beverages here – I asked if they had any craft or local beer to drink. The short answer is no. This is where your Molson muscle can actually exercise with a Molson Canadian.
After dinner, we made our way to Heavener’s, a local confectionery shop for soft serve ice cream, and unexpectedly (because we don’t see fishing lures and gear in convenience stores in Toronto or Southern Ontario), a top-tier collection of fishing lures. Naturally, Z Man refused to leave without picking up a few new baits.
The continental breakfast the next morning at the Best Western Swan Castle Inn was fantastic and well-stocked! This hotel is also pet-friendly. I would recommend these accommodations for any family travelling to and through the region.
Tim Horton Museum: Paying Homage to a Canadian Legend
Before we got into the serious wildlife encounters, we made a visit to the Tim Horton Museum. If you’re in Cochrane, you can’t skip this. For those who don’t know, the legendary hockey player and founder of Canada’s most iconic coffee chain was born and raised right here. The museum is small but mighty, and my kids were fascinated by the memorabilia and photos. They were shocked that he was a real hockey player and on the Toronto Maple Leafs!
If you have the time with the kids, check out the aquatic center at the Tim Horton Events Centre. There’s a water slide, a lagoon, a lazy river, a sauna, a small kiddie pool, and a hot tub. We were there before it opened to check out the museum, but it looked like a lot of fun!
And yes, we grabbed Timmies afterwards.
Meeting the Bears at the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat
The next stop was a big one for us: the Cochrane Polar Bear Habitat, the only facility in the world dedicated solely to polar bears. We met Henry and Ganuk, two enormous and magnificent bears who live in multi-acre enclosures that mimic their natural environment. We were fortunate enough to receive a VIP behind-the-scenes tour, during which we gained access to their food preparation area, learned about their approach to managing medical care for these animals, and heard stories about past residents who have passed through the habitat.
Henry, by the way, put on an unforgettable show while swimming. My kids are still talking about it.
This place is about more than just photo and video opportunities; it’s also a conservation and education hub, and I left with a much deeper understanding of how these animals are being protected in a rapidly changing climate. It’s hard to put into a couple of paragraphs and sentences how remarkable this place is and how beautiful the bears are.
Before we left, we stopped by the on-site Classic Vintage Snowmobile Museum, which is located within the same facility. I didn’t expect to be so into it, but the history and variety of vintage machines were actually fascinating. I live in Toronto, so snowmobiling feels like an alternate universe—but now I totally get the appeal.
One More Paddle and One Hearty Lunch
Before heading out of town, we scoped out the beach and the canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals available right on Commando Lake—an easy add-on if you’re staying a second day or visiting in the warmer months.
Then we had lunch at Kaylob’s Kafe, a busy local spot that serves classic diner-style meals and all-day breakfast. The burger, soup and sandwich game here is strong. Like, “don’t plan on sharing” strong.
Why the Return of the Northlander Train Matters for Families
Here’s a hot tip from me to you: If you’re not up for the long drive from Southern Ontario, Ontario Northland’s Northlander train is making a comeback, with service expanding all the way to Cochrane from Toronto. That means families will soon be able to sit back, relax, and roll straight into this wildlife-rich region without having to hear “are we there yet?” and “how much longer?” all the way up Highway 11.
It’s a game-changer for family travel in the North. Skip the drive, get on the train and relax.
If you are interested in traveling through Cohrane or are passing through, check out accommodations in the area here:
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Where to See Deer, Bison, and Wolves in Timmins, Ontario
Leaving Cochrane behind, we made our way south to Timmins, a city known for its mining founding and heritage, being Shania Twain’s hometown, and some of the most unique wildlife experiences and family fun in Northeastern Ontario.
Our first stop was Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa, where we were booked for their 3 p.m. Wildlife Tour. Picture this: safari meets Northern Ontario. We boarded a double wagon pulled by a tractor alongside other families and rolled through wide-open land where bison, deer, and even wolves roam in natural enclosures. There are buckets of feed that the kids can scoop up and hand over the side to the deer, and then toss at the bison. And yes, we got to hand-feed them. Not the wolves, though, we watched the driver throw meat over the fence to them.
It was a hit with Miss M and Z Man and, of course, all of the little kids who were on board, too. I don’t know what it is about seeing the sweet face of a deer up close, but wow. If you book this tour, be on time. Like waiting outside on time. If you’re puttering around inside the lobby at 3:00 pm, they will leave without you.
After the tour, we checked into a spacious double room at the resort, which also featured a great mini kitchen. And after spending every waking moment with my children for more than a whole week at that point, I wasted no time sneaking away to the Nature Baths at the Nordic spa for a little solo reset. Steam, water and silence. It was just what I needed after a few days on the road. I don’t often mention what life as a single mom is like. I get exhausted from it all on top of working more than full-time hours. I left my kids to enjoy screen time and decompress with snacks, and I have zero regrets.
That night, we ate dinner at the Cedar Meadows Steakhouse, and honestly, this place surprised me. I didn’t expect upscale dining like this in a town known for hard hats and hockey. The decor is fun. My son was able to order escargot, we all enjoyed beautiful cuts of meat, I had great cocktails, and we were spoiled with very attentive service. It was one of those meals you remember.
Things To Do in Timmins With Kids (That Adults Will Love Too)
We started the next morning with a carb-heavy breakfast at Stack Pancake House. While this isn’t a restaurant specific to Timmins, it’s an excellent spot to fuel up before a busy day.
Our first stop was the Timmins Museum National Exhibition Centre. First things first, this is an excellent museum dedicated to the people who built the city of Timmins, how they braved the elements, the weather, the lack of infrastructure that was there to build a mining town and how they made it livable and thrived. It was a surprisingly engaging space and I actually learned a lot about how the city was built and what shaped its identity. Lots of great local history and profiles of the people who made a difference.
There’s even a VR headset that takes kids into a mining environment.
We stumbled upon a brand-new Shania Twain exhibit that was being set up because you can’t go to Timmins without paying homage to The Queen of Country Pop. There is definitely some “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” nostalgia. And for the record, this gal was raised on ’90s Shania.
From there, we drove up the Discovery Lookout on Shania Twain Drive, which has a fantastic view of the city and an old mining quarry – The Hollinger Open Pit Lookout. Quick stop, but totally worth it. It was close to lunch time, and we saw a handful of people bringing lunch up there and enjoying the sights, as there are park benches to relax on.
After that, it was all about family fun. We hit up the mini putt and batting cage at 563 Algonquin Blvd E. Total mini putt chaos with the three of us in the best way. Lots of laughs, a few competitive putts, and one or two flying balls (it was not me, for once). It’s a great family place to spend time, with refreshments for sale and batting cages available for those who want more fun.
For lunch, we were supposed to be at Ciao Sandwiches in downtown Timmins, but they were sold out of sandwiches by the time we rolled in. There’s a sign of a good place to eat! No worries, we found Broadway Restaurant down the street, came through with delicious diner-style fare and seriously fast service. Sometimes the backup plan is better than the original.
And then it was excitement for my son at Gilles Lake Conservation Area when he went to the Timmins Wake Park. Z Man decided to try wakeboarding for the first time and was instantly hooked. They have a basic setup if you want to give it a go. This is one of the few places outside Muskoka where you can try it out.
The smile on his face!!! A must-try for kids who are thrill-seekers. I’m afraid I didn’t get a chance to give this a go due to a lingering shoulder injury, and I’m a risk. Booooo!
The staff were incredible with Z Man, and the setup was approachable, even for kids. Miss M and I stayed dry, cheered loudly, and played the role of photographer. Everyone wins.
Sleeping With the Wolves: A Northern Ontario Bucket List Stay
That night, we checked into Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa and moved into one of the most unforgettable accommodations in the region… Sleeping With The Wolves. Yes, that’s its real name, and yes, it’s as freaking cool as it sounds.
Located right on the Cedar Meadows property, this tiny house cabin-style experience puts you sleeping in a luxury dome just feet away from a wolf enclosure, separated by a secure but transparent barrier. And no, you’re not dreaming. You’re tucked into a cozy bed inside a modern cabin-style dome, separated from these incredible animals by a secure, transparent barrier. It’s private, peaceful, and undeniably wild in the best way.
If you’re an animal lover or your kids are into anything even remotely National Geographic adjacent, this is a serious bucket list experience. One of the most surreal parts? Waking up at 4:54 a.m. (thank you, northern sunrise and really excited child) to see a curious wolf staring straight at you through the glass. There’s something absolutely magical and maybe a little primal about locking eyes with a creature like that while you’re still wrapped in a blanket with your children sleeping just steps away.
The cabins have a lovely little kitchen, a living room with a pull-out couch and staying in one was one of the top highlights of our Northeastern Ontario adventure.
We wrapped up our Timmins experience with my sampling a flight of beer at Full Beard Brewing Co., paired with dinner eats for all from Your Choice Culinary, a food truck parked outside. Craft beer for me, fries and tacos for the kids, and a relaxed patio vibe with a giant Connect Four game to wind things down. It was a beautiful night and we had a great stay!
If you are thinking of a trip to Timmins or will be passing through, check out some accommodations here:
KathrynAnywhere is a participant in the Stay22.com Affiliate Program. We may receive a commission if you make a purchase after clicking on one of these links.
Walk With Alpacas at Dream Acres: The Most Peaceful Part of Our Trip
After a wild few days of polar bears, wakeboarding, and wolves, we traded big thrills for soft hums and fluffy ears. About an hour southeast of Timmins, we rolled into Dream Acres Alpacas in Black River-Matheson. Calm. Quiet. Gentle. And yes, they are adorable. Like, look at their mouths! Alpacas don’t have top teeth in the front. So when they nibble, it’s soft—no biting worries here.
We had signed up for the Body & Soul Alpaca Walk, which is what it sounds like – a mindful stroll through the forest, each of us walking our own alpaca on a lead. All of the animals on our tour were female, and each one of these ladies had personality. Mine was curious and bold, a real snuggler. Like my daughter, the one she walked with was a little shy. Z Man got chosen by his alpaca. She moved right over to him and was like “hey bud”. They’re extremely social herd animals, which makes them great for family visits. If one goes for a walk, they all want to go.
We laughed watching them take their sweet time finding the perfect patch of grass to snack on, but that was part of the fun. We weren’t in a rush, there was no noise, and we just moved with the slow rhythm of the alpacas and nature.
The owners of Dream Acres were lovely and welcoming. You can tell how much they care for their animals and their farm.
If you want to make it more than a quick visit, Dream Acres offers on-site farm stay accommodations in cozy converted trailers. It’s not your average hotel and that’s exactly the point. We didn’t stay overnight this time, but we definitely would next time.
Last Taste of the North – The Bridge Restaurant & Bar
After our walk, we drove just under an hour to The Bridge Restaurant & Bar in Swastika, which is a solid spot to get some food. We got the food to go since we had so much fun with the alpacas, we were running late to our destination in North Bay. Great sandwiches, hearty plates, and the kind of friendly service that makes road trips better.
From there, it was time to wrap up our Northern Ontario wildlife road trip and make our way to North Bay for one final sleep before heading home.
After days of wild animal encounters, spa escapes, wakeboarding thrills, and some seriously memorable meals, it’s safe to say Northeastern Ontario left a big impression on all of us. This region of our province is absolutely bursting with family-friendly adventures that belong on your Canadian travel bucket list. From walking with alpacas to waking up nose-to-nose (safely) with wolves, this was the kind of trip that sparks curiosity, laughter, and stories we’ll be telling for years.
Miss M already asked when we’re going back, and honestly, I’m wondering why we didn’t plan to stay longer. There’s so much more to explore up here, and it deserves a spot on every Ontario family’s radar. There’s so much more to explore up there, and it deserves a spot on every Ontario family’s radar. Sometimes the most incredible adventures don’t require a flight or passport—just a tank of gas, an open mind, and a willingness to look north.
Next stop: North Bay! We’re checking into the Homewood Suites by Hilton North Bay, just steps from the beach and perfectly located to kick off the next chapter of our Northeastern Ontario family travel adventure.
Word to the wise – make sure you are always topped up with windscreen wiper fluid on these northern drives. The mosquitoes and other bugs practically dive at the windshield!
